I’ve grown weary of fighting the cold, the wind, and the short growing season we have here in the Klamath Range, and I hope a high tunnel is the answer.  A high tunnel, at its most basic, is a frame covered in plastic, large enough to walk through, and is used to grow crops in the winter, or simply to extend the summer season.  High tunnels generally have no added heat or cooling, and crops are planted in the ground.

My high tunnel will be used as a season extender, and for growing winter produce.  During the coldest part of the season I’ll use row covers for additional protection.

Here’s the plan, for usage that is.  There are two plots, and the tunnel will get moved once per year from one plot to the next, probably around November 1.  During late August and September I’ll plant fall and winter crops outside in the uncovered plot.  When the weather gets too cold in the fall my warm season crops inside the high tunnel will be done, and I’ll drag the tunnel over the plot that was planted with carrots, spinach, etc., and the tunnel will stay there until the following fall.  I’ll replant inside the tunnel during the fall and winter, and then get my tomatoes, peppers, and such planted around April.  Moving the tunnel gives me extra grow time, but it also allows the ground to be exposed to the rain and sun every other year, and this will help keep the soil in good condition.

Project Photos

Leveling the site.

Digging the beds, and screening out the large rock.

Building the trusses.

The hoops are up.

Doors and end wall vents are installed.

Roll down sides are working.

Plastic looks good on top.

Time to clean up, and finish the beds.

Done.